Senate Resolution No. 177

BY: Senator TEDISCO

COMMENDING John E. Hughes posthumously upon the
occasion of his designation as recipient of a
Liberty Medal, the highest honor bestowed upon an
individual by the New York State Senate

WHEREAS, Members of the Armed Services from the State of New York,
who have served so valiantly and honorably in wars in which this
country's freedom was at stake, as well as in the preservation of peace
in peacetime, deserve a special salute from this Legislative Body; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend John E.
Hughes posthumously upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of
a Liberty Medal, the highest honor bestowed upon an individual by the
New York State Senate, to be celebrated at the Saratoga County Honor Our
Deceased Veterans Ceremony on Tuesday, December 20, 2022; and

WHEREAS, The New York State Senate Liberty Medal was established by
Resolution and is awarded to individuals who have merited special
commendation for exceptional, heroic, or humanitarian acts on behalf of
their fellow New Yorkers; and

WHEREAS, Born on April 4, 1945 in Corinth, New York to William and
Doris Hughes, John E. Hughes attended Hadley-Luzerne schools where he
was active in sports and band, graduating in 1964; and

WHEREAS, John E. Hughes entered the United States Army on June 13,
1966; he proudly served with Company C, 124th Signal Battalion, 4th
Infantry Division and spent 13 months in Vietnam as a Radio Teletype
Operator; and

WHEREAS, While stationed in the Central Highlands, John E. Hughes
assisted with transporting soldiers and supplies to and from firebases
from his main camp; he also participated in Reaction Force Patrols which
led to his designation as recipient of the Army Commendation Medal for
Heroism while saving a fellow soldiers life against a hostile force in
the Republic of Vietnam; and

WHEREAS, In addition to this most auspicious recognition, John E.
Hughes was also awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam
Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Army Commendation Medal with "V"
Device, 2 Over-Sea Bars, and the Army Sharp Shooter with Rifle clasp for
his courageous service during the Vietnam War; and

WHEREAS, John E. Hughes was honorably discharged at the rank of
Sergeant on June 13, 1966; upon the completion of his valiant military
service, John was employed through Finch Prime & Co. for nearly 30 years
as a heavy equipment operator, retiring in the mid 90s; and

WHEREAS, With a steadfast and unwavering commitment to his
community, John E. Hughes served as Assessor for the Town of Hadley for
16 years, and was an active member of the William J. Varney American
Legion Post No. 862, VFW Post No. 5836, the Vietnam Veterans of America,
and the Tri-Town Seniors; and


WHEREAS, Furthermore, John E. Hughes was passionate about sports,
and spent many years in HLSD Little League as a Coach, Purchasing Agent
and President; he also loved to travel, the outdoors and nature; and

WHEREAS, John E. Hughes married the love of his life on April 4,
1970, and together they raised their three wonderful children; he died
on February 15, 2017, at the age of 71; and

WHEREAS, Residents of this great State must never forget the courage
with which these men and women served their country, and must recognize
that no greater debt is owed than that owed to those who have risked
their lives for their beloved Nation; and

WHEREAS, Having exhibited his patriotism both at home and abroad,
John E. Hughes demonstrated his love for his country and merits
forevermore the highest respect of his State and Nation; and

WHEREAS, Our Nation's veterans deserve to be recognized, commended
and thanked by the people of the State of New York for their service and
for their dedication to their communities, their State and their Nation;
now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend John E. Hughes posthumously upon the occasion of his designation
as recipient of a Liberty Medal, the highest honor bestowed upon an
individual by the New York State Senate; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of John E. Hughes.